Kansas City Chiefs: AFC Playoff Race Week 17
By Ben Almquist
The Kansas City Chiefs are back in the playoffs for the third time in Andy Reid’s four years with the team. Here is how the AFC playoff picture looks for Week 17.
On Sunday night, the Kansas City Chiefs took the field knowing their ticket to the postseason had already been punched. A Ravens loss to the Steelers had solidified the Chiefs spot in the playoffs. However, there was still plenty of postseason positioning to play for. With the motivation of still being in the hunt for the AFC West crown and #2 seed in the playoffs, KC manhandled the Denver Broncos.
The victory over Denver keeps Kansas City within striking distance of the AFC West title. The Chiefs are locked in to a playoff spot, but it could end up being the #2, #5 or #6 seed. So there is still plenty for the Chiefs to be playing for in Week 17.
The rest of the AFC Playoff picture came into focus as well. All six teams are now decided for the AFC postseason. The only question remaining is final positioning, and there is plenty to be decided in that regard.
The Hunt Is Over
Heading into Week 16, there were still plenty of teams in the playoff hunt. However, the Broncos, Colts, Bills, Ravens, and Titans all allowed their postseason hopes to end with losses. This is actually a bit of a rarity. Generally, there are still teams left in the playoff hunt come Week 17. However, this year, the entire postseason card is already set with the exception of final standings.